Changing paint colors is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to add a fresh new look to the interior or exterior of a home.

Both exterior and interior paint can be used to protect homes and make strong impressions. Painting projects are fun and can be easy, but not all projects are so simple. Homeowners may need to exercise patience and devote an ample amount of time to get the job done right. One errant drip is all it takes to turn a perfect paint job into a colorful mess.

While paints are much safer now than in years past, they still need to be handled with caution and disposed of with care after the job is done. Painting can be a tricky project because the fumes and chemicals found in many paints make these products more difficult to dispose of.

The Environmental Protection Agency says homeowners in the United State throw out 64 million gallons of paint per year. While latex paints are not considered hazardous waste, they should be recycled. Oil-based paints, however, are considered hazardous household waste (HHW) and must be disposed of properly.

All homeowners should check with their trash and recycling collection centers regarding the proper way to dispose of paints, stains and varnishes. It's also possible to visit Earth911.com and find a disposal facility online.